Cinnamon Baked French Toast: Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipe

Cinnamon Baked French Toast: A Decadent Breakfast Treat

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience with this Cinnamon Baked French Toast recipe. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, this dish combines the warm flavors of cinnamon with a creamy custard base, all baked to golden perfection. Let’s explore the ingredients and step-by-step process to create this comforting classic.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Baked French Toast

For the French Toast:

1 loaf crusty French bread or challah, sliced into 1-inch pieces
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Topping:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Optional Garnishes:

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Fresh berries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Base

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread slices in the dish, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every piece is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Prepare the Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the bread.
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

5. Garnish and Serve

Let the baked French toast cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh berries for an extra touch of decadence.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
Customizable Flavors: Add your favorite spices, fruits, or even chocolate chips to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is great for feeding a group, whether it’s a holiday brunch or a family breakfast.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Fruit

Mix fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, or diced apples into the bread base for a fruity twist.
Layer caramelized bananas on top before baking for a bananas foster-inspired flavor.

Go Savory

Omit the cinnamon and sugars from the custard and topping. Add shredded cheese, cooked bacon, or sausage for a savory baked French toast.

Dairy-Free Option

Substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk and heavy cream. Use dairy-free butter in the topping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Baked French Toast

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Refrigerating the dish allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, preventing dry spots.
Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean when the custard is fully set.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks

Freshly brewed coffee or a latte
A glass of orange juice or mimosa
Spiced chai tea for a warming complement

Side Dishes

Crispy bacon or sausage links
A fresh fruit salad
Yogurt parfaits with granola and honey

FAQs About Cinnamon Baked French Toast

1. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.